What the Robin Knows: How Birds Reveal the Secrets of the Natural World

Mentored in traditional Native American tracking, naturalist Jon Young is deeply attuned to the calls of birds—not just their songs, but also the companion calls and other vocalizations that humans only get to hear after they are no longer "intruders," revealing a startlingly rich world of animal communication. His groundbreaking book unites this indigenous knowledge, scientific research, and his own decades of experience in the field to lead us toward a deeper connection to the natural world. The book includes links to online audio recordings that illuminate Young's lessons.

"Here is the ancestral wisdom passed down from Apache elder Stalking Wolf to renowned tracker Tom Brown to Jon Young himself, who in turn passes on to the reader the art of truly listening to the avian soundscape. With all senses more finely tuned, you'll find yourself more aware of your surroundings, slowing down, and reconnecting with a native intelligence and love of the natural world that lies deep within each of us."—Donald Kroodsma

"Don't tell lifelong birder Jon Young that robins are boring. He can sit still in his yard, watching and listening for the moment when robins and other birds no longer perceive him as a threat. Then he can begin to hear what the birds say to each other, warning about nearby hawks, cats, or competitors. Young's book will teach you how you, too, can understand birds and their fascinating behaviors."—BirdWatching